Renovation work throws lives out of gear

HUBLI: Shivanand Kusugal has had with picking arguments while waiting for a bus at Bandiwad Agasi in the city. “It is very difficult to stand on the road. We don’t have a shelter to protect us from the sun, dust and rain. Most often, we end up arguing with shop owners when they ask us to move away so as not to inconvenience their customers.” But, he knows that he has no go but to continue to fight for a foothold.
Blame Kusugal’s predicament on the poor planning of the renovation of the city bus terminal at Bandiwad Agasi that began in September last year.
The work, being undertaken at a cost of Rs 14 crore on 34 guntas of land, is expected to finish by February next year. But North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) authorities have failed to make alternative arrangements for commuters and their staff for the interim.
Buses have no designated halting points and are left on the road, leading to traffic bottlenecks. Buses from here make about 1,040 trips a day in the city.
An NWKRTC staff member explains that it’s not just commuters, pedestrians and motorists who are hassled by the poor planning, but also the corporation’s staff. “The narrow roads here do not allow the movement of heavy vehicles. Commuters have wait on the road till a bus comes along. It’s also difficult to manage to the large crowd of commuters.”
There are no arrangements for temporary workstations, tables and toilets for the staff either. “We have to stand and work for around eight hours in the dust,” complains the NWKRTC staff member.
Ratna Gunjal, another commuter, is miffed that the thought of providing basic facilities did not cross the authorities’ minds. “The elderly are forced to sit on footpaths while waiting a for a bus.”
She urges NWKRTC to immediately provide seating and drinking water facilities as well as toilets at the bus terminal.
Umesh Kusugal, NWKRTC managing director, asks commuters to cooperate while the renovation work is in progress. “If staff members approach us with their problems, we will do our best to sort them out.”